Snapshot
- Fiat’s all-electric 500e/New 500 set to come to Australia
- Latest model was launched in 2020
- Pricing could see it compete as the cheapest EV on sale
The Australian arm of Fiat has confirmed its all-electric 500e will go on sale locally next year.
Having first been launched in Europe two years ago by Fiat as the New 500, the electric city car is now coming to Australia, although no local pricing or features have been locked in.
As opposed to its predecessor, which debuted in 2008 and is still on sale today – making it one of the oldest new cars in Australia – the New 500 is available only as an electric vehicle, with international markets given a choice of 70kW and 87kW motors, paired to 23.8kWh and 42kWh battery packs respectively.
It’s likely Australian models will come with the larger combination of motor and battery, offering a driving range of roughly 305 kilometres – on par with prospective rivals such as the BYD Atto 3 Superior standard range as well as Hyundai’s fully-electric Kona and Ioniq.
Speaking of its rivals, pricing could be a strong suit for the 500e, with its UK post-tax price tag of £23,835 (AU$41,800) in 70kW guise and £31,485 (AU$55,250) with the 87kW motor potentially putting it in the hotly-contested sub-$60,000 EV fight.
An 85kW DC fast charging system is available with the larger of the two batteries, with Fiat claiming it can charge the battery from zero to 80 per cent in just 35 minutes and add 50km of driving range in five minutes.
Overseas, the 500e is available in three body styles – a hatchback, convertible and the unique 3+1, the latter of which offers a small, reverse hinged door on the passenger side – although it’s likely just the conventional three-door will come to the local market.
Although unconfirmed by Fiat’s local branch, it’s likely the arrival of the New 500 will signal the end of the current 500’s life in Australia, ending a nearly 15-year long run.
Fiat has previously announced it is aiming to become a fully-electric brand by 2030, as its UK operations confirmed earlier this week it would drop non-electrified models from its line-up before next year.
Wheels will provide updates on the launch of the 500e closer to its arrival in the first half of 2023.
COMMENTS
Keyword: 2023 Fiat 500e locked in for Australian debut